Method of 3D printing using color mixing nozzle with multiple distribution elements

Abstract

The invention provides a printer head (501) for a 3D printer, the printer head (501) comprising n distribution elements (510), wherein n≥2, a combination chamber (520), and a printer nozzle (502), wherein the combination chamber (520) is configured downstream of the distribution elements (510) and upstream of the printer nozzle (502), wherein each distribution element (510) comprise a flow-through chamber (511) with an inlet (512) and a plurality of k outlets (513) to the combination chamber (520), wherein k≥4, wherein the outlets (513) of the distribution elements (510) are configured such that a plurality of outlets (513) of a distribution element (510) have outlets (513) of another distribution element (510) as nearest neighbors.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for 3D printing a 3D item, the method comprising:
 depositing m 3D printable materials to provide the 3D item comprising 3D printed material, wherein m≥2, 
 feeding the m 3D printable materials to at least m distribution elements of a printer head, and depositing the 3D printed material, 
 wherein the printer head includes n distribution elements, wherein n≥2, a combination chamber, and a printer nozzle, wherein the combination chamber is configured downstream of the distribution elements and upstream of the printer nozzle, wherein each distribution element comprises a flow-through chamber with an inlet for a 3D printable material and a plurality of k outlets to the combination chamber, wherein k≥4, each distribution element being arranged to distribute the 3D printable material by the plurality of k outlets, wherein the outlets of the distribution elements are configured such that a plurality of outlets of a distribution element have outlets of another distribution element as nearest neighbors; and 
 wherein m 3D printable materials comprise different thermoplastic materials or are 3D printable materials having different colors. 
 
     
     
       2. A method for 3D printing a 3D item, the method comprising:
 depositing m 3D printable materials to provide the 3D item comprising 3D printed material, wherein m≥2, 
 feeding the m 3D printable materials to at least m distribution elements of a printer head, and depositing the 3D printed material, 
 wherein the printer head includes n distribution elements, wherein n≥2, a combination chamber, and a printer nozzle, wherein the combination chamber is configured downstream of the distribution elements and upstream of the printer nozzle, wherein each distribution element comprises a flow-through chamber with an inlet for a 3D printable material and a plurality of k outlets to the combination chamber, wherein k≥4, each distribution element being arranged to distribute the 3D printable material by the plurality of k outlets, wherein the outlets of the distribution elements are configured such that a plurality of outlets of a distribution element have outlets of another distribution element as nearest neighbors; and 
 wherein the 3D printed material comprises plurality of domains originating from the m 3D printable materials, wherein the method comprises controlling the dimensions of the domains to have a largest width which is at maximum 120 μm.